An Examination of Governance Failures and the Clamour for Regional Government Autonomy in Nigeria

 

 

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine Nigeria’s governance failures and the intense competition for regional autonomy. It describes how Nigeria as a federation has failed to carry out its responsibilities to its citizens, as evidenced by the disparity in power sharing between the federal government and its constituent units, the country’s underdevelopment in terms of a lack of employment, infrastructure, educational and health facilities, insecurity, and so on. As a result, regional governments are clamoring for regional autonomy, a chance to handle their own affairs independently of the federal government. This study is based on the failed state theory, which describes the factors that define a failed state. Secondary sources of data for the study included journals and online materials on the subject.  In the study, a descriptive analysis was used. According to the study’s findings, Nigeria is a failed state, and it is wise for the regional governments to sound the alarm to stop further marginalization of the population. The study cautions that this alone will not be sufficient to address all of the nation’s issues, as the majority of regional political elites share the same corruption as those at the national level. Instead, the emphasis should be on developing a system that will educate the ruling elites about good governance while also enhancing the lives of the general populace.